Winter wheels and tires

[Billm0066]

In the 1-2 months I plan on ordering a set of 18" wheels and snow tires. I priced snow tires for the oem rims and it was close to $1,200, while 18" rims and snow tires were $900-$1,000. Since I am going with a smaller wheel, what size tire should I go with? Does it really matter? I think the guy at discount recommended 245/65/18. Im not sure on the width actually. They could have been skinnier. Also is it okay to use the car without the tpms? I know the light will trigger.

Are there any brands of snow tires that are recommended? I have yet to use blizzaks but people really swear by them. My concern is after the 12,000-15,000 miles if they are still really effective. I'm in Michigan and some winters we get a ton of snow, and some arent so bad (like last year), so I need a really good tire. Something to handle snow and ice.

 

[Morfeeus]

..... I'm in Michigan and some winters we get a ton of snow, and some arent so bad (like last year).....

Huh? Last year we got a ton of snow. It snowed more in January '10 than all of the previous winter (Dec '08 - Apr '09). Was 47 inches in Jan '10 compared to 44 inches the previous winter.

 

[thebigjimsho]

In the 1-2 months I plan on ordering a set of 18" wheels and snow tires. I priced snow tires for the oem rims and it was close to $1,200, while 18" rims and snow tires were $900-$1,000. Since I am going with a smaller wheel, what size tire should I go with? Does it really matter? I think the guy at discount recommended 245/65/18. Im not sure on the width actually. They could have been skinnier. Also is it okay to use the car without the tpms? I know the light will trigger.

Are there any brands of snow tires that are recommended? I have yet to use blizzaks but people really swear by them. My concern is after the 12,000-15,000 miles if they are still really effective. I'm in Michigan and some winters we get a ton of snow, and some arent so bad (like last year), so I need a really good tire. Something to handle snow and ice.

I'm not sure of the Ford TPMS system, but usually you can drive them without. The only issues are the dash light and maybe not being able to turn off traction and/or stability controls. In my Caddy you can turn off traction, just not stability. Is recommend getting a second set if you can afford it.

The width should stay stock or maybe drop 1 size narrower. A little taller of a tire is Ok, but on today's cars I wouldn't go much taller. And going to an 18" combo will work well and be more cost effective. The downside is you'll have more sidewall with a tire that will be softer. So your dry handling will be markedly worse. But with the snow you guys can get, its probably well worth it.

 

[Billm0066]

Huh? Last year we got a ton of snow. It snowed more in January '10 than all of the previous winter (Dec '08 - Apr '09). Was 47 inches in Jan '10 compared to 44 inches the previous winter.

I bought a brand new snow blower last year in November and got to use it like 3 times. I remember last year being pretty light on the snow.

 

[Morfeeus]

What part of MI do you live in. I'm in the greater Detroit metro area.

 

[Billm0066]

North Clinton twp.

 

[fast Ed]

245/65/18 is going to be more than an inch taller than the OEM tires. My suggestion would be 235/60/18, that's going to be a much closer match.

You're fine to run without the TPMS if you don't mind looking at the light, probably 95% of the people we sell winter packages to at the dealership go without.


cheers
Ed N.

 

[EcoBrick Bob]

Ed is correct!

 

[TRBOSHO]

Get a set of TPMS sensors for the second set.....You can buy them with the bands for around $150 on eBay. If your car is a 2011, there is a guy selling the valve stem version fairly reasonably as well.....I'm in the metro detroit area as well and I've changed over a set.....If you have any questions PM me...we can talk or maybe even meet.

 

[way2evil]

If you are getting a set of wheels and tires just for winter look into Nokian tires. From what I have heard (when researching for a winter set for a different car) they make the best snow tire.

 

[TRBOSHO]

Also, You'll want to buy a combination wheel/tire that is the same overall diameter as the current wheel/tire setup or it will throw off the speedometer.....

 

[SterlingGraySHO]

Tire dimensions made simple - calculator

Get your answer here with this excellent link.

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoTireMath.dos

What size is being run now? What size would you like to run?

It will show you the difference in-
Sidewall Height
Section Width
Overall Diameter
Circumference
Revs per mile

 

[SterlingGraySHO]

PARADA Spec-X by Yokohama

Anyone try these out?
PARADA Spec-X by Yokohama

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...utoYear=2011&autoModel=Taurus&autoModClar=SHO

In the description it says-
"The PARADA Spec-X is Yokohama Tire's Street/Sport Truck All-Season radial developed for performance pickups and SUVs, as well as modern muscle cars. . ."

I know they're all-seasons but with 4 wheel drive I think they would work.

The real snow tire option would be a Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 but hopefully I'm not driving in two feet of snow here in MO this year.

Thanks for looking.

 

[peglegtom]

Blizzak's Worked Great on my Gen III

Had Blizzak's (LM-02or something, not WS) 0n my 97 Gen III. They worked great. Had them mounted on steel rims. Didn't notice any drop off in traction foe entire life, even though the "good stuff" only comprises about 60% of tread depth. Finally had to replace when one tire kept going flat. Replaced with Pirelli Sorttozeros. These provide better traction in the dry, but may not be as good in the snow. Would recommend either one, dpending upon what is more important to you and costs. Purchases both from Tire Rack.

 

[SuperHO]

i got a set of Blizzak WS-50s a couple of winters ago off Craigslist for my wife's 98, and that car was solid through 10" of unplowed lake effect crud. drove on em all summer with crap struts and alignment, lowered the car and drove em with probably 40% tread last winter and they were just as effective. i'm on the hunt for another set as we speak.

 

[PonySHO]

I got a set of 18" wheels from I believe wheelsnext.com and a set of Blizzaks from the Tire Rack. The 225/60R18 were the exact same revolutions/mile as the stock 20" wheels. I got a TPMS kit from American Muscle. Except for the mounting bands, it was genuine Ford parts. Everything together cost me about $1300 including the mounting. The Blizzaks and the SHO's AWD makes it unbeatable in the snow.

 

[Billm0066]

Get your answer here with this excellent link.

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoTireMath.dos

What size is being run now? What size would you like to run?

It will show you the difference in-
Sidewall Height
Section Width
Overall Diameter
Circumference
Revs per mile

Very helpful link thanks.

 

[Fordnatic]

On the TPMS...I just ordered some winter tires/wheels and decided to skip the sensors because I was told you had to have a approx $200 tool to initialize different sensors and it would have to be used each time you switched wheels. Is this correct?

 

[thebigjimsho]

On the TPMS...I just ordered some winter tires/wheels and decided to skip the sensors because I was told you had to have a approx $200 tool to initialize different sensors and it would have to be used each time you switched wheels. Is this correct?

I don't know. But on the Cadillacs, you go through a simple process of turning the key off and on and then letting out air in each tire in a set sequence and its all set...

 

[zblackbeast]

JUst throw some slicers on there! XD